Skin cancer is usually a result of too much exposure to the sun. While skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, many types are both preventable and treatable. There are five different types of skin cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form and accounts for 90% of all skin cancers. It starts in the basal cells, at the bottom of the outer skin layer and is caused by long-term exposure to sunlight. It is the most easily treated.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type. It starts in the outer skin layer, eventually penetrating the underlying tissue if not treated. It is easily treated when found early, but in a small percentage of cases this cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and is responsible for the most deaths. However, it can be cured if it is diagnosed and removed early. Melanoma starts in moles or other growths on normal skin.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is caused by a virus in the herpes family. An aggressive AIDS-related form affects about one third of people with AIDS. A more slow-growing form occurs in elderly men of Italian or Jewish ancestry.

Your doctor will examine your skin for new, changed, or unusual moles. Your doctor may use a dermatoscope, which is for close examination of skin growths. If your doctor suspects cancer, you will have a biopsy (sample of the skin). A biopsy can confirm whether or not you have skin cancer.

Prevention

In most cases, you can prevent skin cancer. If you are at high risk, stay out of the sun. When you have to be in the sun, protect yourself by covering up, wearing a hat, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You should also have regular skin cancer screenings with your primary health care provider or dermatologist.

Treatment Plan

The primary goals of treatment are to remove the cancerous growth and stop the spread of the disease.

Drug Therapies

Melanoma that is deep or has spread and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma may be treated with chemotherapy. Also, in cases where cancer is found only in the top layer of skin, you may receive topical creams or lotions containing chemotherapy drugs.

Surgical and Other Procedures

Most skin cancer can be surgically removed. Cryotherapy (freezing), topical chemotherapy, or radiation can also treat most skin cancer. If the cancer is on or close to the skin's surface, you may receive photodynamic therapy (laser).

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Alternative treatments are aimed at preventing rather than treating skin cancer. Some CAM treatments may reduce the side effects of conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy.

You should never rely on alternative therapies alone for treating skin cancer. Make sure all of your doctors know if you plan to use any CAM therapies along with conventional cancer treatments. Some CAM therapies can interfere with conventional cancer therapies.

Nutrition

Eating certain foods may help protect against skin cancer. It is hard to test the role of food in preventing various skin cancer, but several studies have looked at antioxidants (including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and vitamin A), folic acid, fats and proteins, and a variety of whole foods. While results are not absolutely clear, antioxidants may offer some protection from skin cancer. Foods such as fish, beans, carrots, chard, pumpkin, cabbage, broccoli, and vegetables containing beta-carotene and vitamin C may also help protect skin. Studies on animals suggest that substances found in foods such as soy and flaxseed may help fight cancer in general. That may include the spread of melanoma from one part of the body to another.

Other substances found in plants may help protect your skin from sun-related damage:

Apigenin, a flavonoid found in vegetables and fruits, including broccoli, celery, onions, tomatoes, apples, cherries and grapes, and in tea and wine

Curcumin, found in the spice turmeric

Resveratrol, found in grape skins, red wine, and peanuts

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples and onions

Selenium has been promoted as an antioxidant that might help prevent skin cancer. One study, however, suggests that selenium might actually increase the risk of developing squamous cell cancer. Talk to your doctor before taking a selenium supplement.

If you have skin cancer, you should always talk with your doctor before taking any supplements or making any changes to your diet. Some supplements or possibly even some foods may interfere with some drugs used to treat cancer.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider. Many herbs and herbal combinations are used to prevent and treat cancer in general. However, you should never use herbs alone to treat any kind of cancer. Remember that certain herbs and supplements can change the way medications, including chemotherapy, act in your body. Make sure you tell your conventional and alternative health care providers about all the supplements, therapies, and medications you are using. Do not take any herbs or supplements without first talking to your oncologist.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains polyphenols, chemicals that are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants get rid of particles in the body called free radicals, which damage DNA. Researchers think free radicals may play a role in cancer. The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and other green tea polyphenols may prevent skin tumors from starting or growing. Because green tea contains caffeine, it may interact with several other medications and may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions and for pregnant women. Ask your doctor before taking a green tea supplement or having more than one cup of tea per day.

Other herbs with antioxidant and skin-protecting effects include bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Although there are no scientific studies on using these herbs to treat skin cancer, they have been used traditionally to protect the skin. Each of these herbs may interact with other medications, including blood-thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), and may not be safe for someone with another medical condition. Ask your doctor before taking any of them.

For Kaposi's sarcoma, some naturopaths recommend a paste made from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cream; several drops of Hoxsey-like formula, a mixture of herbs and potassium iodide; and powdered turmeric. Don't use this mixture without your doctor's supervision.

Homeopathy

Many people with cancer use homeopathy as an additional therapy, along with conventional medicine. An experienced homeopath considers your individual case and recommends treatments that address both your underlying condition and any symptoms you may be having.

Acupuncture

While acupuncture is not used as a treatment for cancer itself, evidence suggests it can help relieve symptoms such as the nausea and vomiting that often come with chemotherapy. Some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help reduce pain and shortness of breath.

Acupuncture needles should never be used on an area of skin where there is cancer.

Acupressure -- pressing on rather than needling acupuncture points -- has also helped control breathlessness. Acupressure is a technique that you can learn and use to treat yourself.

Some acupuncturists prefer to wait until the person has finished conventional medical cancer therapy. Others will provide acupuncture or herbal therapy during chemotherapy or radiation.

Acupuncturists treat cancer patients based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in various meridians. In many cases of cancer-related symptoms, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the spleen or kidney meridians.

Squamous cell carcinoma: excellent for small lesions removed early and completely.

Malignant melanoma: 5-year survival is almost 100% for very superficial lesions removed early. However, thick lesions and melanoma that has spread to other organs have poor prognosis.

Kaposi's sarcoma: good for superficial lesions of the slow-growing form in the elderly of Italian or Jewish ancestry. The course of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma depends on the status of the person's immune system.